Righteous Discontent (John 3:22-26)
Transcript.
The Bible clearly teaches that Christians ought to be content. A classic verse on this is Hebrews 13:5, where the writer exhorts, "Be content with such things as you have, for He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Perhaps the most notable example in all of Scripture is the apostle, Paul. In Philippians chapter four, he declares,
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
(Phillipians 4: 11-13)
Paul starts by asserting his contentment in all circumstances, whether in sun sunshine or storm, whether full or hungry, in good weather or bad. He has learned to be content.
Now, you might think it's strange, but I believe that sometimes the Bible teaches us to be discontent. Yes, I believe that part of the problem with many of us is that we are too content about certain things. Some people are of course discontent about the wrong things and that creates issues all of their own.
So are you content, and is their such a thing as Righteous Discontent?
Today I want to share a story that I hope will clarify this idea so that what we will look at in today’s episode of TBPDP….
Today we turn our attention to the last half of John chapter 3, from verse 22 to the end of the chapter. This passage recounts an incident in the life of Christ, specifically a conflict between the disciples of John the Baptist and John the Baptist himself.
This passage, I believe can be divided into several parts:
Verses 22-24 provide the setting.
Verses 25-26 describe the situation that arose from that setting.
Verses 27-36 contain John the Baptist’s profound response to that situation.
Let's start by examining the setting in verse 22.
John Testifies Again about Jesus.
22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptised. 23 Now John also was baptising at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptised. 24 25 But an argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan – the one you testified about – look, he is baptising, and everyone is going to him.’
(John 3:22-26)
At this point, John tells us that Jesus has left the capital city of Jerusalem and has gone into the rural areas of Judea.
However, there's a common misconception from this verse that some think Jesus Himself was baptizing people. In fact, John clarifies in the next chapter. If we look at John 4:2, you'll see that "Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples did it”, as per His instructions. So, the setting here is that Jesus has moved to the Judean countryside, and it is His disciples who are now performing the baptisms in quite some number.
Now, it's important to understand that the New Testament speaks of several types of baptisms.
There was the baptism of John the Baptist, the baptism of Jesus himself, and later, the baptism of believers.
For example, in Acts 19, Paul meets some disciples of John the Baptist and baptizes them again in the name of Jesus, showing a distinction between John's previous baptism and the baptism authorised by Jesus for his followers to do.
So scholars generally agree that this baptism situation described here occurred before John the Baptist was imprisoned and is distinct from the later Christian baptism instituted after Jesus' resurrection.
Before we proceed, let me emphasize that the New Testament teaches the importance of baptism. While baptism is not necessary for salvation—since salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone—it is still essential for discipleship and obedience. And that is what Jesus’ disciple where doing on the other side of the Jordan.
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands his followers to, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."
This passage highlights that baptizing new believers is a crucial part of making disciples. Therefore, if you have not been baptized, I encourage you to consider it. Most churches periodically hold baptismal services, and many would be delighted to talk with you about obeying this command of the Lord, even if the church you presently go to doesn’t practice it. Remember, while baptism is not part of salvation, it is important part of obedience and discipleship.
In John 3:25, we read about a potential dispute arising.
This dispute stemmed from the fact that Jesus’ disciples were baptizing more people than John’s disciples. The Pharisees, having observed this, and used it to provoke John's disciples. They questioned why Jesus' popularity and baptisms were increasing while John's were not. Feeling unsure about how to respond, John’s disciples went back to him for clarification.
John the Baptist’s response is both profound and humble. He acknowledges that his role is to prepare the way for the Messiah, not to compete with Him. John reminds his disciples that he had always testified about Jesus and that it was Jesus who must increase while he must decrease.
In John 3:27-30, it says,
27 To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.” 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.
(John 3: 27-30)
John’s attitude exemplifies true humility and recognition of Jesus’ divine mission. He understands that his purpose is to point others to Christ, not to seek his own glory.
This passage also teaches us today about the importance of understanding our roles in God’s plan and embracing humility. Just as John the Baptist recognized his role in relation to Jesus, we too must recognize our roles as servants of Christ, always pointing others to Him and rejoicing in His increase, even if it means our own decrease.
The real issue was that the Pharisees used this situation to stir up jealousy in the hearts of John's disciples, leading to potential conflict and contention within John's ministry. This brings us to an important principle: the enemy will not hesitate to use jealousy, division, and strife among the Lord's people.
While people often recognise their sins, jealousy is a subtle but pervasive issue that affects us all at some point and can creep up on us un-noticed. It intrigues me that preachers can be jealous of other preachers, especially when one has a larger congregation or ministry than another.
Beware, of this if you are a preacher of the Word.
Jealousy often manifests in ways that are specific to our own circles. If Jesus had not gone close to John's territory and started baptizing, this conflict might not have arisen. However, the reality is that jealousy was started to consume John's disciples because they saw their ministry being overshadowed by Jesus'.
This situation sets the stage for John the Baptist responding by saying, his joy is fulfilled, and that Jesus must increase, but He must decrease."
He essentially says to his disciples, you are concerned about my status, but my position is determined by the will of God. No one can receive anything unless it is given from heaven.
John also describes his pleasure in his God-given role using the metaphor of being the friend of the bridegroom, John finds joy in Jesus' success.
In scripture, the bridegroom analogy is common. In the Old Testament, Israel is the bride and Jehovah is the bridegroom. In the New Testament, the church is the bride, and Christ is the bridegroom.
John's humility and acceptance of his role provide a powerful lesson for us today. When we are tempted to be jealous, we must remember that each person's position is given by God. Understanding that our roles and statuses are determined by God helps us avoid the trap of jealousy. John was content and joyful in his role because he knew it was assigned by heaven.
Today, let us take this to heart and strive to find contentment and joy in our God-given roles, knowing that He is in control and His plans are perfect. We must always remember that our positions and roles are given by heaven, and we should be content with them.
In verse 30, John makes that crucial statement: "He must increase, but I must decrease." This verse is often misinterpreted as a call for personal humility and self-denial in the spiritual life. However, in context, I think John is primarily referring to the transition of ministry from himself to Jesus.
John's role as the forerunner must diminish as the Messiah has arrived and Jesus' ministry must grow. This doesn't mean John’s work was unimportant, but that its purpose was to pave the way for Jesus, and John knew that.
From verse 31 onward, John explains why Jesus' ministry must increase. He says,
31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
(John 3: 31-36)
John contrasts his own earthly origin with Jesus’ heavenly origin. Jesus is from above, he says, making Him sovereign and above all. John also emphasizes that Jesus’ teaching is divine. Jesus testifies to what He has seen and heard in heaven, giving His words divine authority.
To set one’s seal on something was to authenticate it, much like signing a contract today.
Unlike prophets and leaders before Him, who received the Spirit in portions, Jesus has the fullness of the Spirit, enabling Him to reveal God's truth completely and authoritatively.
John the Baptist's humility and clear understanding of his role should remind us also to be excited and joyful at the success of others, especially in the work of Christ.
Recognizing that our roles and blessings come from God anyway helps us to be content in our own situation and supportive of others, rather than jealous and competitive. Let try and embrace our God-given roles with gratitude and work towards the increase of Christ's influence in our lives and communities.
Jesus not only has a divine origin and divine teaching but also possesses divine authority. The Father has entrusted everything to Him, giving Him the right to exercise authority over all things.
One specific authority granted to Jesus is the power to give eternal life. Verse 36 stated, "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
John 1:12 echoes this authority: "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God." This verse, among many, underscores that those who believe in Jesus are given the authority to become God's children. The moment someone believes in Jesus, they become a present possessor of eternal life, as indicated by the present tense of the verb "has" in the closing verse of this passage.
Conversely, "he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
Just as believing in Jesus grants eternal life immediately, disbelieving and thereby disobeying results in God's judgement remaining upon that individual.
Given this stark contrast, the urgency to trust in Christ becomes clear. Believing in Christ is depicted as a rational and wise choice because it brings life, while disbelief brings God's wrath. John the Baptist emphasizes the necessity of making this decision by likening it to setting one's seal on a contract.
Choosing not to believe in Christ is foolish and instead trust and put their faith in all sorts of strange things.
As a young teenager I used to work of a farm in the summer holidays. One of the jobs I was given was to collect the eggs from the chicken coops. On one occasion we found a chicken sitting on a small wooden kitchen doorknob, thinking it will hatch.
Just as the chicken was mistaken, so are those who rely on anything other than Christ for eternal life. Trusting in anything other than Jesus is a mistake that brings God's judgement instead of the gift of eternal life that belief in Christ offers.
The message is clear: trust in Christ for eternal life. Believing in Him means accepting the truth of His divinity, His teachings, and His sacrifice for our sins as the only way to be right with God.
John the Baptist’s amazing insight here challenges believers to examine their priorities. Many people spend their energy striving for personal success, comfort, and recognition. However, John’s example teaches that our primary concern should be the advancement of Christ’s kingdom above everything else.
We should therefore be discontent with how few people know Jesus and be motivated to share the gospel more fervently.
John the Baptist’s message concludes with a call to a balance of contentment and discontent. Be content with your God-given role and circumstances but remain fervently discontent with the current status of Christ’s position and recognition in our nations and the world.
Strive to increase His influence, sharing the gospel and living out Christlikeness. Reflect on whether your priorities align with John’s example: be content in your position, but be passionately and righteously discontent with the current state of the world and respond by spreading of the good news of Jesus
Let this Godly discontent drive you to action, ensuring that more people come to know about the love of God in Christ, and follow him.
